Introduction

What An investigation of everything from a British perspective by two brothers (who consider themselves to be relatively normal chaps), one topic at a time.

Who Benjamin de-Campos (designer and believer) and Geoffrey Campos (engineer and engine-ear),

How Choose a topic of interest, spend a little time researching it, have a discussion then publish the notes - which are available on the site to read along!

Why The main benefits are the fostering of a greater understanding of the world before we die and hopefully, to prompt further thought and discussion from our listeners.

The topic we will be discussing in this episode is East Germany

Topic Overview

The Deutsche Demokratische Republik otherwise known as East Germany was a significant slice of post war Deutschland administered by the Soviet Union for over 40 years. During that time, the population endured an ever dwindling economic output. Goods and services taken for granted by those in the perceived American puppet state over The Wall were unimaginable. The people were largely trapped in a state where the suspicion of dissent or insurrection was punishable by harsh personal levies and on occasion, beatings and execution. After Reunification and much needed investment, the vestiges of the Eastern Bloc persist and the region suffers from slow and patchy development and a decline in population. What must it have been like living with secret police, citizen informants, variable rationing, no bananas, free childcare and all the best museums?

Off-topic

What we’re not talking about

bumgrapes

Talking Points

Each bullet is a talking point. Sub-bullets are topics that may or may not be covered. Usage: Read the bullet and sub-bullets then talk about some or all sub-bullets.

Not just the Berlin wall. There was also a wall that separated East and West Germany. Not many people know about this but they should. The Inner German Border - 866 miles of fortified barriers erected to protect East Germaners from the corruption of the West.

The German people appeared to easily transition from rabid anti-commie nazis to rabid anti-western commies. How?

Sovietization

Eastern Bloc

Leonid Brezhnev’s Politburo, relative stability 1964-82

Soviet-forced ‘Socialist Unity Party’ GDR government

Mikhail Gorbachev

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union 11 Mar 1985 – 24 Aug 1991, President 15 Mar 1990 – 25 Dec 1991

Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (restructuring) were his weapons against the Cold War